Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana stars in a Sketchers commercial this year. (USA Today Sports)

Nearly 111 million Americans will sit down to watch the Super Bowl this year, and most are just as interested in watching the commercials as they are the big game. While entertaining for us, an afternoon spent in front of the television can cost companies major bucks in advertising. For a 30-second spot during the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens game, companies have to shell out $3.8 million to $4 million. CBS drives a hard deal.

During the first Super Bowl in 1967, it was $42,000 for a 30-second spot.

Every year, more and more companies release their Super Bowl commercials early (or at least teasers). In some cases, companies (e.g. Doritos and Audi) will pre-release multiple spots, and let fans vote for their favorite. The winning ad is then aired during the game. Companies will do this to keep a “rolling conversation” going with the consumer since usually viewers forget or stop talking about a Super Bowl ad within 24 hours after it airs.

Ads typically showcase celebrities, sex, and empowerment. More often than not a combination of the three are typically Super Bowl winners.

With that said, here are five of my favorites from the early batch (You can see all of the pre-released commercials here).

Audi – “Prom”

Hyundai – “Team”

Doritos – “Fashionista Daddy”

Taco Bell – “Viva Young”

Fiat – “Date”

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